Today is the first day of fall, marked in the Lowcountry by a shift to lower humidity and cooler temperatures, sweeping king tides filling up salt marsh creeks, and, if you look up, the migration of birds like the white ibis and double-crested cormorant.
If you want to soak up all that fall in the Lowcountry offers, we’ve rounded up a list of protected properties where you can tune in to the changing of the seasons.
Norfolk Southern’s Brosnan Forest – 2026 Sporting Clays Shoot
Not typically open to the public, Brosnan Forest is the perfect backdrop for a weekend of soaking up cooler fall temperatures and supporting conservation in the Lowcountry. This 14,000+ acre private preserve is proudly protected forever by Lowcountry Land Trust and, in addition to its impressive longleaf pine acreage, is home to Lowcountry Land Trust’s highly anticipated annual Sporting Clays Shoot on October 23-25. This event typically sells out, and only a limited number of tickets remain!
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens – Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festivities
Boone Hall, surrounded by suburban development on all sides, is a conservation success story in the heart of Mount Pleasant with nearly 600 acres, including 370 acres of forest and a mile and a half of creek frontage, all protected in perpetuity by a Lowcountry Land Trust conservation easement. This fall, enjoy Boone Hall’s family-friendly weekend pumpkin patch starting on September 25 and extending throughout October weekends, with pumpkins, a corn maze, local goods, and fall fun!
Meyer Lake Wildlife Management Area & Heritage Preserve
Late this summer, the Meyer Lake WMA/ HP officially opened to the public! This landmark conservation achievement permanently protected 972 acres along the Savannah River watershed in Jasper County. Thanks to a partnership with SCDNR, the acreage is now a WMA/HP, with public access to hunt, fish, and recreate on the protected acreage. With the heat of the summer behind us and cooler temperatures on the horizon, check out SCDNR’s guidelines for enjoying the property, and get out there!
Thornhill Farm – Chucktown Acres
After a summer heat hiatus, the farm store at Chucktown Acres is back open for fall! Located on Thornhill Farm, the 93 acres are protected forever by the Lowcountry Land Trust and managed by Chucktown Acres, a regenerative farm raising chickens, pork, and cattle. Visit the farm store on Fridays to stock up on local goods, and as the weather cools, stick around to feed the farm animals, enjoy the lake, and learn more about how conservation and regenerative agriculture can work hand in hand.
